Visitors to the University of Liverpool’s Victoria Gallery and Museum (VG&M) are invited to work alongside a professional artist to help create an exhibition inspired by science and engineering artefacts.
The exhibition entitled `Shrine to the Twentieth Century’ will feature three art installations, exploring the nature and history of electricity, nuclear power and machine engines. Visitors can work with VG&M Artist-in-Residence, Tony Phillips, and help him build the exhibit using artefacts relating to University research in science and engineering from the past century.
Tony was born in Liverpool and studied mural design at Lancaster Art College in the 1970s. His art explores themes concerning consumerism, capitalism and history. Tony now lives in Tuscany, Italy, but will be working with curators at the University’s museum to develop science and engineering exhibits throughout the summer.
Tony said: “The University’s science and engineering research spans more than 100 years and includes the very first radio transmission experiment. I wanted to explore the various ways in which we understand and relate to science and technology, and the impact it has on society.
“The first installation looks at electricity, where we have used old computers, radios and amp metres, and the second looks at nuclear power. The third installation features a unique collection of engine indicators from the University’s Department of Engineering. We are asking members of the public to create art work that highlights the aesthetic beauty of these objects and the ways in which they help shape our world.”
`Shrine to the Twentieth Century’ is open now until late Autumn 2009.
Tony will hold art workshops, `Man, machine and the twentieth century’ for adults at 10.30am on Thursday 25 June. Places are free but must be pre-booked by telephoning: 0151 794 2348.
Workshops for the whole family will be held between 2pm and 4pm Saturday, 27 June. This is a drop-in session.
Notes to editors:
1. The Victoria Gallery & Museum is open Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm. Admission is free.
2. The University of Liverpool is a member of the Russell Group of leading research-intensive institutions in the UK. It attracts collaborative and contract research commissions from a wide range of national and international organisations valued at more than £93 million annually.